Alumni Scholarships
CHS Alumni Association Scholarships
When the Cuyahoga Heights Schools Alumni Association was restructured in 1989, it was decided to establish an endowed scholarship fund as one of it's functions. This endowed fund is the result of donations from our Alumni, friends and fundraising efforts. In 1992 the first scholarship was awarded in the amount of $500. In 2021, 11 scholarships were awarded for a total of $21,000.Alumni Scholarship
All of the scholarship applications are judged on the following criteria: scholarship (meaning grade point average and class rank, considering the difficulty of the courses taken), leadership, citizenship, character, school activities, community service, and employment.
The Alumni Scholarship Selection Committee reviews all applications and chooses the recipients. This is a truly rewarding time because we have applications from so many exceptional students. It is difficult to choose the best from the best. The top scholarship winners are designated as our CHS Alumni Scholars.
Click on this link to view the Alumni Scholarship Recipients:
Click on this link to view the Alumni Scholarship Recipients:
Class of '59 Scholarship
The Class of 1959 Scholarship was the first endowed scholarship established at Cuyahoga Heights Schools. It was decided at the class 30th year reunion in 1989 to establish a scholarship to help celebrate the 50th anniversary of Cuyahoga Heights Schools and to recognize its academic excellence, and to dedicate this scholarship in the memory of and pay tribute to all of the excellent faculty that served as our educators, mentors and friends.
The Class of 1959 Scholarship was the first endowed scholarship established at Cuyahoga Heights Schools. It was decided at the class 30th year reunion in 1989 to establish a scholarship to help celebrate the 50th anniversary of Cuyahoga Heights Schools and to recognize its academic excellence, and to dedicate this scholarship in the memory of and pay tribute to all of the excellent faculty that served as our educators, mentors and friends.
Click on this link to view the Class of 59 Scholarship Recipients:
Introduction: Teachers Scholarships
The following scholarships were dedicated and named for specific teachers. All of these scholarships were intended to pay tribute to the teachers' lifelong work and dedication to Cuyahoga Heights Schools and its students. We were privileged to have these teachers as our educators, mentors and friends.
Paul L. Baumgardner Scholarship
Following the death of a beloved teacher, Mr. Paul L. Baumgardner, many of his former students asked us to establish a scholarship in his memory. Mr. Baumgardner was a member of the original staff when our school opened in 1938, He taught English and foreign languages and was a very distinctive gentleman of impeccable manners, demeanor and attire. He was a superb teacher, and one who brought the beauty of music, literature, drama, fine arts and world travels to his students. He was able to introduce so many students to the wonders of the world which awaited them. And for that we are very grateful.
Click on this link to view the Baumgardner Scholarship Recipients:
The following scholarships were dedicated and named for specific teachers. All of these scholarships were intended to pay tribute to the teachers' lifelong work and dedication to Cuyahoga Heights Schools and its students. We were privileged to have these teachers as our educators, mentors and friends.
Paul L. Baumgardner Scholarship
Following the death of a beloved teacher, Mr. Paul L. Baumgardner, many of his former students asked us to establish a scholarship in his memory. Mr. Baumgardner was a member of the original staff when our school opened in 1938, He taught English and foreign languages and was a very distinctive gentleman of impeccable manners, demeanor and attire. He was a superb teacher, and one who brought the beauty of music, literature, drama, fine arts and world travels to his students. He was able to introduce so many students to the wonders of the world which awaited them. And for that we are very grateful.
Click on this link to view the Baumgardner Scholarship Recipients:
R.B. Boyer Scholarship
The R. B. Boyer Scholarship was established in conjunction with Mr. Boyer's induction into the CH Schools Hall of Fame in 1993. Mr. Boyer was a member of the original staff when our school opened in 1938, and taught here until his retirement in 1972. He worked with the architects of the building to help design the machine shops and Industrial Arts Department. Mr. Boyer was responsible for starting the
first school newspaper and coordinating a journalism staff, for encouraging the students to select our school colors, and he, along with Mr. Baumgardner, introduced theater to our students by creating the first Drama Club. He established the first Photography / Visual Aids department, produced nationally- acclaimed documentaries about education, and had his own Cleveland television show during the 1950's. As a Jennings Scholar, Mr. Boyer was recognized for his excellence in teaching.
Click on this link to view the Boyer Scholarship Recipients:
The R. B. Boyer Scholarship was established in conjunction with Mr. Boyer's induction into the CH Schools Hall of Fame in 1993. Mr. Boyer was a member of the original staff when our school opened in 1938, and taught here until his retirement in 1972. He worked with the architects of the building to help design the machine shops and Industrial Arts Department. Mr. Boyer was responsible for starting the
first school newspaper and coordinating a journalism staff, for encouraging the students to select our school colors, and he, along with Mr. Baumgardner, introduced theater to our students by creating the first Drama Club. He established the first Photography / Visual Aids department, produced nationally- acclaimed documentaries about education, and had his own Cleveland television show during the 1950's. As a Jennings Scholar, Mr. Boyer was recognized for his excellence in teaching.
Click on this link to view the Boyer Scholarship Recipients:
Ralph Adams Scholarship
The Ralph Adams Scholarship was established as a tribute to him for his lifelong work and dedication to Cuyahoga Heights Schools and its students - following his death in 2003.
Mr. Adams joined Cuyahoga Heights School in 1941 and served as a teacher, coach and administrator, retiring as assistant Superintendent in 1975. In 1972, the football stadium was named after him as a tribute to his wonderful dedication. He was a scout for the old Cleveland Rams, and a statistician for the Cleveland Browns. He was a member of the Ohio Track Hall of Fame, Baldwin-Wallace and CHS Athletic Halls of Fame, and the Cuyahoga Heights School Hall of Fame.
Click on this link to view the Adams Scholarship Recipients:
The Ralph Adams Scholarship was established as a tribute to him for his lifelong work and dedication to Cuyahoga Heights Schools and its students - following his death in 2003.
Mr. Adams joined Cuyahoga Heights School in 1941 and served as a teacher, coach and administrator, retiring as assistant Superintendent in 1975. In 1972, the football stadium was named after him as a tribute to his wonderful dedication. He was a scout for the old Cleveland Rams, and a statistician for the Cleveland Browns. He was a member of the Ohio Track Hall of Fame, Baldwin-Wallace and CHS Athletic Halls of Fame, and the Cuyahoga Heights School Hall of Fame.
Click on this link to view the Adams Scholarship Recipients:
Jim Sponseller Scholarship
The Jim SponselIer Scholarship was established in 2001 to help celebrate his 80th birthday, and because his family, former students and our Alumni Association chose to honor and pay tribute to him.
Mr. Sponseller came to CHS in 1949, previously having served 3 years as a navigator in the Air Force, flying missions over Germany.
Jim Sponseller's 30 years at CHS began with teaching high school math and coaching. He later became Assistant High School Principal, Athletic Director and Assistant Superintendent. In 1967 he took a 2-year leave to head the Math Department at the Teachers Training Center in Nigeria, Africa. Jim Sponseller has been inducted into the Hiram College Athletic Hall of Fame, into the CHS Athletic Hall of Fame, into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts for his contributions to the game, as well as the Cuyahoga Heights School Hall of Fame.
Jim Sponseller was a Jennings Scholar - recognized for excellence in teaching. He was one of a team who brought the Academic Challenge program to Cleveland.
Mr. Sponseller had a superb influence on the lives of so many CHS students for so many years.
Click on this link to view the Sponseller Scholarship Recipients:
The Jim SponselIer Scholarship was established in 2001 to help celebrate his 80th birthday, and because his family, former students and our Alumni Association chose to honor and pay tribute to him.
Mr. Sponseller came to CHS in 1949, previously having served 3 years as a navigator in the Air Force, flying missions over Germany.
Jim Sponseller's 30 years at CHS began with teaching high school math and coaching. He later became Assistant High School Principal, Athletic Director and Assistant Superintendent. In 1967 he took a 2-year leave to head the Math Department at the Teachers Training Center in Nigeria, Africa. Jim Sponseller has been inducted into the Hiram College Athletic Hall of Fame, into the CHS Athletic Hall of Fame, into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts for his contributions to the game, as well as the Cuyahoga Heights School Hall of Fame.
Jim Sponseller was a Jennings Scholar - recognized for excellence in teaching. He was one of a team who brought the Academic Challenge program to Cleveland.
Mr. Sponseller had a superb influence on the lives of so many CHS students for so many years.
Click on this link to view the Sponseller Scholarship Recipients:
Wm. Jacobs Scholarship
Beyond his many awards and recognition, Bill Jacobs cared very much about all CHS students, and helped them to accomplish goals far beyond their own expectations. The influences Mr. Jacobs had in the lives of CHS students was very good and positive.
Click on this link to view the Jacobs Scholarship Recipients:
The Wm. Jacobs Scholarship was established at the request of the Jacobs family, and his former students and football players following his death in 2000.
Mr. Jacobs taught and coached at CHS from 1955 to 1985. His professional activities include 20 years as Secretary, and 18 years as Chairman of the Greater Cleveland Football Coaches Association, 30 years as Chairman of the Cuyahoga High School East-West All-Star game, and 10 years on the Board of Directors of the Cleveland Touchdown Club.
Mr. Jacobs received the Greater Cleveland Football Coach of the Year in 1977, as well as the Sun Newspaper Citizenship Award, Cuyahoga Conference Coach of the Year in 1996 and 1976, was named a Jennings Scholar in 1972, and inducted into the Ohio High School Coaches Hall of Fame in 1988.Beyond his many awards and recognition, Bill Jacobs cared very much about all CHS students, and helped them to accomplish goals far beyond their own expectations. The influences Mr. Jacobs had in the lives of CHS students was very good and positive.
Click on this link to view the Jacobs Scholarship Recipients:
E. Jean Morgan Scholarship
The E. Jean Morgan Scholarship was established at the request of her niece and nephew, following her death in 1999, and also following her specific wishes. Miss Morgan spent her career here as our Art Teacher - and is fondly remembered for her talents and creativity, her love of art and colors, her easy laughter and free spirit, and the ability to magically transform bungling students into budding artists.
Click on this link to view the Morgan Scholarship Recipients:
The E. Jean Morgan Scholarship was established at the request of her niece and nephew, following her death in 1999, and also following her specific wishes. Miss Morgan spent her career here as our Art Teacher - and is fondly remembered for her talents and creativity, her love of art and colors, her easy laughter and free spirit, and the ability to magically transform bungling students into budding artists.
Click on this link to view the Morgan Scholarship Recipients:
William A. Myers Scholarship
The William A. Myers Scholarship was added in 2020 following the passing of Wayne Clevenger, Class of ’61, whose wish it was to create a scholarship in the name of former teacher, Mr. Myers. Mr. Myers was formerly a principal at Warrensville, before joining the Valley View School, and then became a member of the original CHS staff when the school opened in 1938. A teacher of social science and history, he was described by his former students as a gentle man, who was loved and respected by both students and staff. He was a positive influence who loved his students and was always available to talk to and offer advice and guidance about many issues. He continued teaching at CHS until 1964.
Click on this link to view the Myers Scholarship Recipients:
Support for the Scholarship Program
We hope that you will join us in supporting the Scholarship program either through our fundraising efforts or donations.
Please make checks payable to: The Cleveland Foundation
In the memo of the check, please write: Cuyahoga Heights High School Alumni Scholarship Fund
Cleveland, Ohio 44125-1095
Thank You,
We hope that you will join us in supporting the Scholarship program either through our fundraising efforts or donations.
If a donation is to be made to a particular scholarship, please include a memo with the donation specifying the specific scholarship the money is to be applied to. The Scholarship Committee carefully tracks the associated principal dollars and interest earned. The scholarship monies are applied to the specific scholarship for which they are donated.
Please make checks payable to: The Cleveland Foundation
In the memo of the check, please write: Cuyahoga Heights High School Alumni Scholarship Fund
Please send your donation to:
Cuyahoga Heights Alumni Association
Attn: Scholarship Committee
4820 East 71st. StreetCleveland, Ohio 44125-1095
In addition to monetary donations, donations of Securities, Real and Personal Property, IRA/Retirement Fund Assets, Life Insurance and Unique Assets such as Coin , Stamp or Art Collection, can be accepted through The Cleveland Foundation on behalf of the Alumni Association Scholarships. If the donation is one of these assets, the donor should contact the Scholarship Committee, who will help to make the arrangements with The Cleveland Foundation.
All donations through The Cleveland Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization are tax deductible.
Thank You,
The Cuyahoga Heights Schools Alumni Association Scholarship Committee.